After School Threat, Warren To Continue More Patrols Through End Of School Year

WARREN, NJ — Warren Police will continue to maintain their increased security at all township schools through the end of the school year following a threat at the high school and the mass shooting in Texas.

"One of my top priorities as Chief of Police has always been to provide a safe environment for the residents of Warren Township and for the children within our school community," said Warren Police Chief William Keane.

The police department normally has a Warren Township Police School Resource Officer assigned to Watchung Hills Regional High School (WHRHS) daily, and also has uniformed officers regularly conduct unscheduled walk-throughs inside each elementary school.

An increase in police precense was already in effect Wednesday morning after a gunman killed at least 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday. Read More: Increased Patrols At Warren Schools After Deadly Texas Shooting

Now Keane says the increased police presence will remain at each of the township schools for the remainder of the school year.

On Wednesday, Watchung Hills Regional High School went into a lockdown following a phone threat. Read More: Lockdown Lifted Following Threat At Watchung Hills High School

The security lockdown went into effect around 12:12 p.m. on Wednesday and was lifted just after 2 p.m. after the threat was deemed not credible.

"We take every threat seriously and respond accordingly to ensure the safest possible outcome for everyone affected. The investigation into the matter is still ongoing," said Keane.

Warren Police thanked the 13 local, county, state, and federal partners "who not only immediately responded and assisted us with the incident at Watchung Hills Regional High School today but also provided assistance with police services to the remainder of our township during the incident."

The responding agencies include:

• Atlantic Health
• Watchung Police Dept.
• Long Hill Twp Police Department
• Bridgewater Police Department
• Green Brook Police Department
• North Plainfield Police Department
• Bernards Twp Police Department
• Berkeley Heights Police Department
• Somerset County Sheriff’s Office
• Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
• Somerset County Communications
• New Jersey State Police
• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) - Newark

"The Warren Township Police Department strives to maintain positive relationships with all of our law enforcement partners. Please know that your support will always be reciprocated in your times of need. In times like this, partnerships and connection is what our world needs most," according to Warren Township - NJ Police Department.

Keane asked residents and school staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to the police department via 911 or 908-753-1000.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.